Nigerian singer Blackface has addressed the long-standing notion that he frequently accuses his colleagues of stealing his intellectual property without credit.

In a recent interview with TVC, Blackface clarified his stance, emphasizing that none of the artists he has accused have denied the allegations.

Blackface explained that many of his colleagues have been inspired by his work and have incorporated elements of his songs into their own music.

However, he stressed that the issue lies in the lack of credit and proper acknowledgment.

Blackface argued that the fact that none of the accused artists have denied the allegations suggests that there may be some truth to his claims.

He said:

“People jack my vibes. They love them. It’s not their fault. If I was not me, I would be jacking me too.

“All my songs are being jacked because when you release a song it becomes a published work. The songs are all registered. There’s no song that’s released that’s not registered. Once it is in the public domain, it’s a published work. Was it published before your work?

“It’s not about whether I’ve viable proofs or not. The truth is that the action is wrong. So many Nigerian artists have jacked my songs. And these people that I’ve complained about, they have never for once denied it. So you people would have seen that and say there’s an iota of truth in what Blackface is saying.”

Nigerian Afrobeat sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has expressed his gratitude after receiving a $20,000 gift from a producer he worked with on hisTimeless album.

Taking to his Instagram story, the Awuke crooner shared the heartwarming gesture, revealing that the producer, who recently received his publishing check, visited his home to personally hand him the generous amount as a token of appreciation.

The music star, clearly moved by the act of kindness, wrote:

“A certain producer/writer I started working with from Timeless. Finally, he got his publishing check, came to my house, handed me 20 thousand dollars, and said, ‘Baba, I thank you.’ Happy to see there are still good people in this world! Being appreciated sure feels good! Love you, brother!”

 

Nigerian rapper Ycee has called for the banning of Point of Sale (POS) machines in the country after recounting a distressing incident where he lost millions of naira in 2024.

The rapper, whose real name is Oludemilade Martin Alejo, shared the details of the incident on his Instagram story.

In the video, he explained that N2.7 million was stolen from his bank account in November 2024. According to Ycee, this was not the first time he had fallen victim to such a theft.

Ycee revealed that the unauthorized withdrawals were made using his ATM card, with a total of N2.7 million being stolen in three transactions.

The first was N1 million, followed by another N1 million, and then N700,000. He further clarified that the money was not taken from an ATM, but rather through a POS machine.

The rapper expressed his frustration, stating that his bank had yet to provide an explanation for the missing funds or offer any solution.

Ycee also raised concerns about the lack of security around POS transactions, arguing that if the theft had occurred at an ATM, the incident would have been captured on CCTV.

In light of his experience, Ycee advocated for a nationwide ban on POS machines, suggesting that many others may have been victimized by similar crimes.

Nollywood actress and entrepreneur, Tonto Dikeh, has set tongues wagging with a recent social media post, fueling speculation about her love life.

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, the actress shared family pictures on her Instagram page, introducing what she referred to as her “family” to her fans.

The collage of images featured Tonto alongside her son and an unidentified man. All three were dressed in matching pink T-shirts with a lion design, paired with jean trousers.

The post caught the attention of her followers, many of whom were quick to comment, referring to the man as her “king.”

Some fans also inquired about the identity of the mystery man, leading to a flurry of curiosity in the comment section.

In addition to the photos, Tonto shared a glimpse of the meal they enjoyed during their outing, which included spaghetti, meat, eggs, chips, and assorted delicacies.

Tonto, known for her outspoken nature, also shared heartfelt thoughts about her family.

She wrote;

“My Family over everything….

You see this my little tiny family,

I will di@ protecting them,

If they have to prepare for WAR, I am ready too..

But I’m not stupidly ignorant to ignore their foolishness.”

The images and her message have sparked widespread discussion, with fans eagerly speculating about her relationship status

The Zamfara state government has countered the claim by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) that there was no credible evidence to support reports that 16 civilians were killed during an airstrike targeting insurgents in Tungar Kara,Maradun LGA of Zamfara state.

On Friday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted Operation Fansan Yamma, targeting bandits in the LGA.

Subsequently, reports surfaced from the community alleging that 16 residents, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and vigilantes, were mistakenly killed during the operation.

NAF responded, claiming that there was no credible evidence to support the reports.

 

In a statement released on Sunday, Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara, said some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes were killed during the airstrike.

The governor did not disclose the number of civilians killed in the air raid.

“We have received multiple positive reports of precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas,” the statement issued by Sulaiman Idris, Lawal’s spokesperson, reads.

“This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has shown the commitment of the Nigeria Air Force to carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people.

“As a responsible government, we assure all the people of the State that the Government of Zamfara State remains steadfast in its resolve to sustain the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities. The recent success indicates that the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies yield positive results.

“In light of these achievements, the state government reaffirms its commitment to providing all necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state.

“We will continue to offer support to enhance intelligence sharing, provide logistics, and strengthen community engagement, all in the spirit of a comprehensive approach to security and achieving the ultimate goal of restoring normalcy across all parts of the state.

“Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives.”

Lawal said the government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families.

Nigeria has a history of military airstrikes targeting terrorists but inadvertently resulting in civilian casualties.

In December 2023, Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), vowed that airstrikes would no longer record civilian deaths, noting that the duty of the military is to protect Nigerians and not kill them.

Musa said this after an accidental airstrike killed over 100 residents at Tudun Biri village in Igabi LGA of Kaduna.

A midnight explosion rocked Umuneke community, Mbieri, in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, leaving a newly completed family house in ruins.

Reports indicate the explosion occurred late Saturday night, reducing the building to rubble. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.

Describing the incident, a local source, Iyke Njoku, told The PUNCH, “The sound was massive as well as the bang. We waited a while and when we didn’t see any movement or hear screams, we decided to check, only to see the house in rubble.

“When our neighbours from neighbouring villages called to ask us the cause of the sound, that was when we went to check how safe we were.

“The house was a bungalow and the couple just completed it even as they were planning to move in by February.

“It is so painful that all their efforts have become a waste because they can’t move in as planned again.”

Another resident, Mr. Emma Emeka, recounted the terrifying experience.

He said: “We were in our house when we heard a massive sound, just like an explosion. When we rushed out, a newly constructed bungalow was destroyed. It happened so quickly, as nobody saw what triggered it or who was behind it.

“All we heard was the loud explosion; now, we are gazing at the new building of our kinsman reduced to rubble.

“The couple had worked hard to complete the building and were planning to move in this year but they cannot do so again.

“The funny part is people in neighbouring villages heard the sound and wondered where the blast came from. We all slept with one eye open for fear of attack.”

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has taken a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media, Sunday Dare, accusing him of unprofessional conduct and promoting divisive rhetoric.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed criticized Dare for turning his role into a platform for political attacks rather than fostering unity and constructive dialogue.

The statement, titled “Enough is Enough”, lambasted the Presidency for what it described as a growing intolerance for criticism.

“Instead of addressing Governor Bala Mohammed’s genuine concerns about the tax reform bills, Sunday Dare chose personal attacks and diversionary tactics. Is this how a democracy is supposed to work?” the statement queried.

Governor Mohammed’s camp also called out the timing of Dare’s remarks, which were made during Juma’at prayers and Armed Forces Remembrance Day events.

“Instead of focusing on honouring Nigeria’s fallen heroes, Dare chose to prioritise political mudslinging. Is this what the Tinubu administration represents?” the statement questioned, describing the move as disrespectful and inappropriate.

The governor’s team accused the Tinubu administration of fostering a toxic culture that stifles constructive feedback.

“This administration has shown increasing intolerance towards constructive feedback,”the statement alleged. “Governor Bala Mohammed’s concerns about national issues, including tax reforms, were met with insults rather than engagement.”

The statement also drew a parallel between Tinubu’s history as a pro-democracy activist and his administration’s approach to dissent.

“If Tinubu could criticise the system and rise to power, why is his administration trying to muzzle voices like Bala Mohammed who are only doing the same?” the statement argued.

A Warning To Dare

In a subtle yet firm tone, the statement ended with a warning directed at Sunday Dare.

“We respect the Office of the President, but respect does not mean silence. Governor Bala Mohammed will continue to speak up for Nigerians, whether they like it or not. Enough is enough,” it declared.

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 election, Oluwole Adebayo, has questioned the composition of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team.

Adebayo, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said that Tinubu’s economic team is not sharp enough and that it is far from being proactive.

According to him, Tinubu does not need to go outside his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to find better hands to run his economic team.

“The problem is that the way he has set up his economic team, there is no sign that they are proactive, they are only reacting to the consequences of their earlier actions. So, they are perpetually defending, perpetually behind. So, the economic team is not nimble enough, it’s not sharp enough,” Adebayo said.

“Even if he doesn’t go outside his party to look for people to run his economic team, within his party he has a lot of talents there within the rubric of their own belief. He has not even used the best of APC people.”

He lamented that even with all the money the Tinubu administration saved from fuel subsidy removal, it is still borrowing to fund the budget.

The SDP chieftain said it is high time the President Tinubu stopped talking about what he met on the ground because what he met on ground is what he used to campaign and eventually won election.

He blamed Tinubu for not stabilizing the economy first when he came in before executing some of the policies which have seen inflation skyrocket.

Adebayo said that he will start taking the Tinubu administration serious when it is able to make the exchange rate stable for at least 120 days without fluctuating.

However, the SDP candidate stated that he does not see the current administration performing at the speed expected to make things change for the better, making it imperative for his party to do everything it can to take power from the APC in 2027.

The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has described Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, as qualified to contest for the Lagos State governorship position.

Naija News reports that Olawande made this assertion during his appearance on the Mic On podcast amid growing speculation about Tinubu’s potential gubernatorial ambition in 2027.

Olawande addressed the rumours directly, emphasizing Seyi’s readiness for leadership.

“He’s not too young to become a governor,” the minister said, adding that Seyi has the qualifications and training necessary to excel in public office.

“He’s a well-trained young man who has built a lot of young people even before his father became President,” Olawande noted. He further highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to leadership and his willingness to contribute to Nigeria’s development.

Speculation about Seyi Tinubu’s possible bid for the Lagos governorship began in 2024 after endorsements by groups such as the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL).

Despite these endorsements, Seyi Tinubu has remained silent on the matter, refraining from confirming or denying any political ambitions.

The Youth Development Minister was quick to clarify that the younger Tinubu is not the one orchestrating the campaigns.

“Seyi is not the one engineering the campaign to become the next governor of Lagos State,” Olawande said, dissociating him from the ongoing advocacy by various groups.

The Federal Government has approved four airlines as official air carriers to transport intending pilgrims for the 2025 hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Executive Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, made this known in a statement by the commission’s Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Sunday in Abuja.

Usman explained that the four airlines were selected out of the 11 companies that submitted applications to transport Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Muslims pilgrimage.

According to Usman, the four approved airlines are Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas, a Saudi Arabia-designated airline, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd.

The NAHCON boss stated that the airlines were screened and shortlisted by a team of 32 members that were inaugurated by the NAHCON on Nov. 26, 2024.

He said that the composition of the Aviation Screening Committee included representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, three members from Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and one member each from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

He also said that some members of the committee were drawn from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

Similarly, Prof. Usman said that one member each was drawn from Nigerian Customs’ Service (NCS) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

Others, he listed, were NAHCON Board members representing each geo-political zone of the country, NAHCON Heads of Aviation, Procurement, Legal, Internal Audit, Special Duties as well as Board Member representing the Aviation industry.

The NAHCON boss also disclosed that three excess cargo carriers were selected for the hajj operations.

He named them to include; Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd, Cargozeal Technology Ltd and Qualla Investment Ltd.,

The Chairman, who congratulated the successful companies, urged them to fulfill their responsibilities as promised during the screening.

Meanwhile, Prof. Usman signed the 2025 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on behalf of the Nigerian Government.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was represented by the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfatah Masahat, at the signing ceremony.

The event was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to formalise this year’s Hajj engagements.